Handfeeding hahn's macaws

[betsybet]

I am purchasing a pair of hahn's macaws.. i plan on breeding them and had a question.. I have not bred larger birds.. only cockatiels.. how many feedings do they have to be on when i initially pull them at 12-14 days? also what formula do you recommend? any other useful info would be helpful in regards to breeding these beautiful babies.. thanks

[raddaughter]

I'm sorry I can't help you with how often to feed. However, here is the formula I used for my B&G: http://www.avitec.com/Handfeeding-Su...-Birds-s/7.htm I really liked it for many reasons. For one, Harley seemed to like it much better than the Kaytee (The breeder used it, but weaned her over to this) and is is more natural. I think it is a bit more expensive though...

[Ringneckmom]

Have you ever fed birds before? If you haven't then you really need to do some research and get with another breeder to learn this. It is not something you can really learn over the internet and there can be many complications when you hand feed birds as well as having the proper set up. I also recommend that you get at least one book about handfeeding if not several.
I recommend the book - Parrots Hand feeding and Nursery Management by Howard Voren and Rick Jordan.
This book has been invaluable to me when hand feeding as it deals with complications as well advice on feeding.

As far as food - Kaytee Exact for Baby birds is one of the better formulas for hand feeding - make sure it is the regular one and NOT for macaws.

Breeding birds is not an exact science and even though you may try to set up birds, it does not mean that they will breed or that you will get live babies.
Just something to be aware of.

[raddaughter]

The book ringneckmom suggested is great! It has a lot of good information in it.

[betsybet]

Sorry i should have clarified this a bit more.. i am familiar with handfeeding... i normally used kaytee.. but i only handfed tiels.. wonderng if there is a big difference.. I am wondering about when i pull them.. how often do i do it to them since they are larger then tiels..

[garys mum]

I have always found kaytees the best, from lovebirds to cockatoos. I too have that book at it is a bible to me also.
Feeding times normally remain the same, it is just the amount that changes. The biggest difference between small birds and the larger ones I have found is the feeding (bobbing) response is quite violent in the larger parrots and I have found that they need a firmer hand in restraining the head or the spoon (Or whatever method you use) will just bounce right out of their mouth!! I have never done a large bird from hatching, only finished them off. Doing it from hatching will be alot easier as your confidence will grow with the bird.
Hope this helps.

[Dani#2]

Clara, can I ask why you recommend the regular one, not the one for macaws....they are going to be feeding Hahn's macaws......or is the macaw formula just for the "big guys"??

[Ringneckmom]

Th macaw formula has a higher fat content and is only recommended for the birds that have requirements for more fat such as the large macaws and some cockatoos. I believe the protein content is not as high either.
Since a hahns grows at a faster rate than a large macaw they will need a little more protein. Compare it to the large breed dog food that you give to a larger dog compared to the food you give a smaller dog.
Basically the same thing.

Hahns macaws do very well on the regular handfeeding also. as well as most other birds.

[Irish]

I was under the impression that handfeeding discussions are verboten on this site. You might want to double check or take it to PMs, in case someone gets upset.

Then again, a lot has changed here since I joined, so the handfeeding instructions policy may have changed during that time.

[Ringneckmom]

Hand feeding instructions are not being given out. Only advice on it. No one is telling anyone how to handfeed.